Texas Instruments TPL0401A-10DCKR
- Part No.:
- TPL0401A-10DCKR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Digital Potentiometers
- Package:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Datasheet:
-
TPL0401A-10DCKR.pdf
- Description:
- IC DGTL POT 10KOHM 128TAP SC70-6
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:23,930
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Product details
Overview
TPL0401A-10DCKR from Texas Instruments is a single-channel, 128-tap digital potentiometer with 10-kΩ end-to-end resistance, I²C interface, and SC70-6 package. It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, features ±20% resistance tolerance and 22 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and is used for precision voltage divider applications such as DDR3 memory reference trimming.
For engineers reviewing the TPL0401A-10DCKR datasheet, TPL0401A-10DCKR pinout, TPL0401A-10DCKR application, or TPL0401A-10DCKR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, terminal functions, I²C timing compliance (Standard/Fast Mode), thermal metrics (RθJA = 234°C/W), and real-world use cases in calibration and gain control circuits.
Technical Context
The TPL0401A-10DCKR implements a linear-taper resistive ladder with wiper position controlled via an 8-bit WR register accessible over I²C. Its L terminal is internally tied to GND, leaving only H, W, SCL, SDA, VDD, and GND as external terminals - enabling true 3-terminal potentiometer operation in voltage divider mode.
It supports Standard Mode (100 kHz) and Fast Mode (400 kHz) I²C communication, with guaranteed tSDS ≤ 250 ns (Standard) and ≤ 100 ns (Fast), and includes built-in ESD protection (±2500 V HBM). Power-up defaults to mid-scale code 0x40, ensuring predictable initial output voltage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| End-to-end resistance | 10 kΩ ±20% - defines full-scale voltage division range and load interaction in bias networks |
| Wiper resolution | 128 positions (7-bit) - enables 0.78% step granularity for fine analog tuning |
| Supply voltage range | 2.7 V to 5.5 V - compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic/system rails without level shifting |
| Temperature coefficient | 22 ppm/°C - ensures stable resistance ratio across –40°C to +125°C industrial range |
| I²C address | 0101110 (0x2E) - unique slave address enabling coexistence with TPL0401B-10 (0x3E) on same bus |
| Wiper settling time | 0.152 µs - supports rapid reconfiguration in closed-loop feedback or dynamic calibration |
| Standby current | 1.5 µA at –40°C to +125°C - suitable for low-power always-on reference circuits |
Pinout & Package
Package: SC70-6 (2.00 mm × 1.25 mm), surface-mount, lead-free, RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VDD | Power supply input | Supplies internal logic and resistive ladder; must be decoupled locally to minimize noise coupling into wiper path |
| 2 - GND | Reference ground | Common return for VDD, I²C signals, and potentiometer low terminal (L is internal and fixed to GND) |
| 3 - SCL | I²C clock input | Drives internal state machine; requires external pull-up; supports Standard (100 kHz) and Fast (400 kHz) modes |
| 4 - SDA | I²C bidirectional data | Open-drain I/O; shares bus with other slaves; ACK/NACK timing must meet tSDH = 0 ns requirement |
| 5 - W | Wiper output | Variable voltage node between H and GND; maximum continuous current ±2 mA; not intended for power delivery |
| 6 - H | High terminal | Fixed end of resistive ladder; must be biased higher than GND; forms upper leg of voltage divider with W and GND |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal GND-connected L terminal | Eliminates need for external low-side connection, reducing PCB footprint and layout complexity in voltage divider configurations |
| Mid-scale power-on reset (0x40) | Guarantees known 50% output voltage at startup, preventing transient overvoltage or undervoltage in sensitive analog paths |
| Ratiometric temperature coefficient | 4 ppm/°C at mid-scale - preserves voltage division accuracy independent of absolute resistance drift |
| Low wiper resistance | 35–100 Ω typical - minimizes insertion loss and nonlinearity error in high-impedance feedback networks |
| Integrated ESD protection | ±2500 V HBM - enables robust handling in manufacturing and field environments without external TVS diodes |
Applications
| DDR3 Memory Voltage Reference | Adjustable Gain Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Setting precise VREF voltage for LPDDR3 memory interfaces in portable and embedded systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage divider element providing stable, digitally adjustable reference voltage to memory controller's VREF pin. Use Value: Enables factory calibration and runtime compensation for process/voltage/temperature variation, meeting JEDEC LPDDR3 VREF tolerance (±1% of VDDQ/2). |
Use Scenario: Configuring gain in instrumentation amplifier feedback networks where mechanical potentiometers are unreliable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitally programmable feedback resistor in op-amp non-inverting configuration. Use Value: Delivers 128-step gain adjustment (e.g., 1× to 10×) with <0.5 LSB INL, eliminating manual trim and supporting remote recalibration. |
| Sensor Offset Trimming | Programmable Power Supply Setpoint |
Use Scenario: Nulling DC offset in bridge-based pressure or temperature sensor signal chains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable voltage source injecting correction into summing junction of differential amplifier. Use Value: Achieves sub-mV offset cancellation across temperature using stored calibration coefficients and I²C write during system initialization. |
Use Scenario: Setting output voltage of adjustable DC-DC converter in telecom or industrial power modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Resistor in feedback divider network of voltage-mode controller (e.g., TLV62569). Use Value: Allows firmware-controlled output scaling (e.g., 1.2 V to 3.3 V) with 10-kΩ impedance matching standard feedback design practices. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar digital potentiometer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4017T-103I/OT | 6-pin SOT-23, 10 kΩ, I²C, but uses volatile wiper register (no EEPROM); 100 ppm/°C TCR | Lacks nonvolatile storage - wiper resets on power cycle; less suitable for unattended calibration retention | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs need for power-loss immunity and tighter TCR |
| AD5170BRJZ-10-R7 | 6-pin SOT-23, 10 kΩ, I²C, includes EEPROM for nonvolatile wiper setting; 35 ppm/°C TCR | Higher TCR and larger wiper resistance (120 Ω typ) - reduces voltage division accuracy at extremes | Prefer when persistent wiper state is mandatory and ±35 ppm/°C drift is acceptable in target operating range |
Compared with MCP4017T-103I/OT and AD5170BRJZ-10-R7, the TPL0401A-10DCKR offers superior temperature stability (22 ppm/°C), lower wiper resistance (35–100 Ω), and guaranteed mid-scale POR - making it optimal for precision, single-supply, industrial-grade voltage reference and trimming tasks where repeatability and thermal fidelity are critical.
Availability
TPL0401A-10DCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DDR3 memory reference design, sensor calibration, programmable power supplies, and precision amplifier gain control requiring stable component supply across automotive, industrial, and computing applications.
Supply support for TPL0401A-10DCKR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader focused on analog and embedded processing technologies, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets with high-reliability components.
The TPL0401A-10DCKR belongs to TI's precision digital potentiometer product line, engineered specifically for replacing mechanical trimmers in voltage reference, calibration, and gain-setting circuits where long-term stability and digital configurability are essential.
FAQ
What is the I²C address of the TPL0401A-10DCKR?
The TPL0401A-10DCKR has a fixed 7-bit I²C slave address of 0101110 (0x2E). This distinguishes it from the TPL0401B-10DCKR (0x3E), allowing both variants to share the same I²C bus without address conflict. The address is hardwired and not user-configurable, ensuring deterministic communication in multi-device systems.
Does the TPL0401A-10DCKR retain its wiper setting after power loss?
No, the TPL0401A-10DCKR does not include nonvolatile memory. Its wiper position is stored in a volatile register and resets to the default mid-scale code (0x40) upon power-up. For applications requiring persistent settings, external microcontroller firmware must reinitialize the wiper register after each power cycle using the I²C interface.
Can the TPL0401A-10DCKR be used in rheostat mode?
Yes, the TPL0401A-10DCKR supports rheostat mode by connecting the H terminal to VDD and leaving the W terminal as the variable resistance node to GND (L is internal). In this configuration, it provides 128-step adjustable resistance from ~0 Ω to 10 kΩ with ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity and 0.5 LSB differential nonlinearity per datasheet Section 7.5.
What is the maximum operating temperature for the TPL0401A-10DCKR?
The TPL0401A-10DCKR is rated for continuous operation from –40°C to +125°C ambient temperature. This extended range is validated per JEDEC JESD22-A104 and supported by thermal metrics including RθJA = 234°C/W, making it suitable for under-hood automotive, industrial motor drives, and base station power systems.
How does the internal GND connection of the L terminal affect circuit design?
The L terminal is permanently bonded to GND inside the TPL0401A-10DCKR die, eliminating the need for an external low-side trace. This simplifies PCB layout, reduces parasitic inductance in the ground path, and ensures consistent reference potential - especially beneficial in high-frequency or noise-sensitive applications like memory VREF generation where ground bounce must be minimized.
TPL0401A-10DCKR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Taper:
- Linear
- Configuration:
- Potentiometer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Number of Taps:
- 128
- Resistance (Ohms):
- 10k
- Interface:
- I2C
- Memory Type:
- Volatile
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Features:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±20%
- Temperature Coefficient (Typ):
- 22ppm/°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- SC-70-6
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Resistance - Wiper (Ohms) (Typ):
- 35
TPL0401A-10DCKR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TPL0401A-10DCKR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TPL0401A-10DCKR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for TPL0401A-10DCKR reliable?
The price and inventory of TPL0401A-10DCKR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TPL0401A-10DCKR is usually 5 days.
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Once your TPL0401A-10DCKR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for TPL0401A-10DCKR?
For technical support, including TPL0401A-10DCKR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TPL0401A-10DCKR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TPL0401A-10DCKR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TPL0401A-10DCKR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that TPL0401A-10DCKR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TPL0401A-10DCKR?
All TPL0401A-10DCKR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TPL0401A-10DCKR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The TPL0401A-10DCKR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TPL0401A-10DCKR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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